Hikes
Wild South Hike Day in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama PDF E-mail

Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 a.m.

Discover the wonder of winter hiking!


There will be two hikes to choose from on January 30. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in advance and include your phone number in your message. Meet-up directions and a list of what to bring for all hikes follow the descriptions. Here's the rundown:

Hike # 1: Three Waterfalls Hike
Leader: Carroll Wilson
Distance: Each hike will be about 1 mile, or less, roundtrip
Rating: Moderate
For all ages - must be able to traverse off-trail, forest terrain

All sites on the waterfall hikes will be in the Bankhead National Forest east of Highway 33.

Stop #1: The first stop will be on Holmes Chapel Road off of Mount Olive Road, Coal Mine Branch Falls, a tributary of Brushy Creek. The descent into the Coal Mine Branch canyon is steep and the hike is entirely off-trail. There may be one or two narrow, shallow stream crossings. This beautiful hemlock and beech forest features the waterfall, a very deep rock shelter, and a coal mine that was used by early settlers.

Stop #2: Holmes Chapel Falls. Hikers will drive back to Mount Olive Road and head south a short distance. Holmes Chapel Falls is on a tributary of Rush Creek. This is a stunning waterfall from below as well as from the top.

Stop #3: Last stop will be off of Highway 33 in the Beech Creek watershed near Tapsville Cemetery.

At all three of these sites, there will be little elevation change but hikers can expect brief steep climbs and scrambling around ledges and a creek crossing or two. Be prepared for no trails and rocky, slippery terrain.

Hike #2: Lick Branch and Mattox Motel, Sipsey Wilderness
Leader: Janice Barrett
Distance: 5 miles, loop hike
Rating: Challenging
For ages 12 and over. There is a 10-person limit on this wilderness hike.

This hike will begin at the Gum Pond Cemetery on the northern edge of the Sipsey Wilderness. The descent to Mattox Creek will take us through beautiful Eastern Hemlock and hardwood forest into limestone territory. We will hike downstream on Mattox, visit the unique rock cave known as Mattox Motel, then enter Lick Creek and hike upstream to the head of the canyon. In this deep canyon, there are at least 3 tall waterfalls and stunning rock formations. After a steep climb out of the canyon, there will be an optional hike (for those who just can't get enough!) just over the ridge and across trail #223 to see another waterfall in the Braziel Creek headwaters. At this waterfall, the transition from limestone to sandstone is clearly evident - a little geological icing on the cake.
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Geology hike in Bankhead National Forest (Alabama) with Dr. Jim Lacefield PDF E-mail

 

Sorry, this hike is filled.
Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get on the waiting list.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

9:30 a.m.

All ages and donations are welcome

In winter, the bone-structure of a landscape becomes visible, making it a perfect time to explore the geology of a place.

On February 6, Dr. Jim Lacefield and Wild South staff will lead a two-part hike in the Bankhead National Forest to places of geological interest. Sandstone bluffs and canyons, limestone glades and fossils are some of the features that will be explored. Dr. Lacefield will read the stories in the rocks and explain theories of how this beautiful part of our Warrior Mountains came to be.

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Hike on Forever Wild land, Coldwater Mountain PDF E-mail

 

The Coldwater Mountain tract

Sunday, January 31, 2010

On Sunday, January 31, Phil Martin will lead a hike for Wild South on Forever Wild land on Coldwater Mountain near Oxford and Anniston, Alabama.  In 2012, the Forever Wild Program will expire unless it is reauthorized by the Alabama State Legislature.  This hike will be a great opportunity to visit a beautiful and unique Forever Wild site and to learn more about this very successful land conservation program.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up, ask questions, or arrange carpooling; or call Janice at 256-974-6166.  Please give your phone number when you sign up so we can contact you in case of last-minute changes.

Date:  Sunday, January 31, 2010

Meet-up time:  1:30 p.m.

Leader:  Phil Martin

Distance:  2 to 3 miles

Rating:  Moderate, for all ages

Description:  There are some very interesting geological features on this mountain property, including 2 sinks, Big Sink and Little Sink.  Little Sink is 200 feet deep and a quarter mile wide.  Wildflowers are abundant here in the springtime.   The hike will begin by following a stream through a hollow, then onto an old road on the ridge between the two sinks.  There will be shallow stream crossings of the rock-hopping sort.  If the water is high at the time, Phil will lead an alternate, drier, route.

The hike will be a liesurely 2 or 3 hours.  Be prepared for the stream crossings and rocky terrain by wearing sturdy boots or shoes with good tread.  A walking stick may be helpful.  Bring rain gear if there is rain in the forecast.  Dress in layers for warmth.

Bring snacks and drinking water. Lunch, too, if you don't eat before you get there.

We will meet up the road from Phil's house (811 Cecile Drive, Oxford, AL for Google Mappers) by following these directions:

Coming from Birmingham on I-20, take the Coldwater/Munford exit, #179.

At the top of the ramp, take a left.  At the first traffic light, turn right.

Take the first left into Coldwater Park.

Cross the bridge on Cecile Drive.  Go about 1/2 mile to the green house on the left.

Turn left onto the dirt/gravel driveway and go .7 mile to Phil's house (811 Cecile Dr.)  NOTE:  On top of the first hill the road forks to the right;  STAY LEFT, don't take the right fork.  The driveway is bumpy and you will ford a small stream.  SUV's and trucks do best, but cars do fine;  just go slow and you'll have no problems.

Phil Martin, our hike leader, owns the land that is bordered on 3 sides by the Coldwater Mountain tract.  It has been in his family since the 1930's.  Phil is a registered nurse, a member of the American Hiking Society and the Alabama Hiking Trails Society and is a supporter of Forever Wild.

 

 

 
Wild South hike to Sougahoagdee Falls PDF E-mail

Bankhead National Forest, Alabama

Saturday, October 3, 2009 9:30 a.m.

Distance: 4 miles, roundtrip

Rating: Moderate

Leaders: Janice Barrett and Jackie Tipper

Open to all ages. Suitable for children who are able to walk 4 miles on terrain with short stretches of moderate steepness.

Meet-up directions follow hike description.

Description: Sougahoagdee Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Bankhead. The hike will begin on Hickory Grove Road at the Brushy Creek bridge. We will follow Brushy Creek upstream on an old logging road that is now an unofficial trail through a forest of hemlock and beech trees, passing tall sandstone bluffs and enormous boulders. The steady rainfall of the past 2 weeks will ensure plenty of waterfall action! Count on a couple of narrow creek crossings, so feet will briefly be in the water at times.

Group size will be limited, so This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it soon! Families with at least one child or young person will have priority on the list. Please include your phone number in case of last minute changes.

Bring: Backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water; rain gear if rain is still in the forecast; camera, walking stick, field guides; tick repellent; if allergies to bites and stings are an issue, remember antihistamine or Epi-Pen.

Wear: Clothes comfortable for hiking and suitable for the temperature/weather. There will be poison ivy, so wear long pants and closed-toe shoes if allergic. Shoes should be sturdy with good tread for slippery rocks and steep banks and general wetness.

Sign-up and meet-up directions: Sign up by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 256-974-6166. These also work for asking questions.

Meet at Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren, Alabama (11312 Alabama Highway 33, Moulton, AL) at the intersection of Highways 33 and 36, a couple of miles south of Moulton. Fresh Air Family members coming from the Birmingham area may follow Fresh Air Family meet-up directions.

Time: 9:30 a.m. at Warrior Mountains Trading Co. Park on the south side of the building and come into the store. There will be sign-in sheets, etc. on the tables in the back of the store. We will meet there at 9:30 for a little chat before caravanning to our trailhead.

 
Alabama Hikes PDF E-mail
  1. Wild South Alabama Hikes 
  2. Alabama Hiking Trail Society
  3. Alabama Trails Association
  4. Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Club
  5. Hiking Alabama
 
Virginia Hikes PDF E-mail
  1. Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club
  2. The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech
  3. Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club
  4. Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club
  5. Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club
  6. Virginia Creeper Trail Club
 
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